After months in Canada, some Afghan refugee children aren't yet allowed to go to school in Waterloo area

Afghan refugee children who arrived in the Waterloo, Ont., region months ago are spending their days in a hotel rather than in class — because the public school board says students need a permanent address in order to register.

Naseeb Abdul Habib, 32, says he's been in touch with relatives in Toronto, also refugees from Afghanistan, whose children have been provided with plans and activities.

Until recently, Abdul Habib was staying in a Waterloo motel with many other refugee families (he recently moved to an apartment). While his own children are in Afghanistan, he worries that there doesn't seem to be a plan for the newcomer children's educations.

"The kids are still in the rooms," he said.

The problem is compounded by what newcomers say are inadequate necessities as they wait to be placed, a situation a local settlement organization blames on the chaotic nature of the evacuation from Afghanistan.

Lynne Griffiths-Fulton, interim CEO of Reception House, a Kitchener-based organization that receives federal funding to help refugees resettle in Canada, said school registration is a "long-standing systemic issue." 

The Waterloo Region District School Board typically needs a permanent address to register a student. The address determines which school the child could attend.

The board said it's aware of the issue and the effect it's having on newcomers.

In an emailed statement, the board said it's trying to help students start school as quickly as possible while they wait for permanent accommodation. 

"We look forward to joining the upcoming task force that is being formed to address this collaboratively … and once again to be part of a great initiative to welcome newcomers to our WRDSB community," a spokesperson said in an email.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board says a lack of address is not ideal, but it can work with families on a case-by-case basis.

Abdul Habib said refugee families are also living on food allowances that don't go far enough. He said he's gone for periods of time eating just bread and yogurt to save money — something that's OK as a single person but which would be untenable for families. 

Mohammad Aslam Sherzai, 37, agrees. He and his family are still staying in a Waterloo motel, where his small food budget is compounded by a lack of kitchen facilities. 

And while the motel has a room of clothing donations, Sherzai said it's been tough to find clothes in his size. He still doesn't have winter boots.